FAQs
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Elevating tradition,
inspiring a legacy.
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the history
Tonchin began in Tokyo, Japan, in 1992, where brothers Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno crafted their first ramen shop with a vision of authenticity and excellence.
Over 25 years later, Anan Sugeno has elevated this storied brand to new heights, expanding Tonchin’s legacy across borders and earning the distinction of Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
With flagship locations in New York’s Midtown, Brooklyn, and now Larchmont Village in LA, Tonchin continues to be an experiential gathering place where the true spirit of ramen thrives.
the experience
The name “Tonchin” is more than a brand; it’s a legacy born from a father’s vision — a vision where a place becomes a magnet for people in search of something rare, something that feels and tastes like a new discovery that they are almost reluctant to share.
In Japanese, “屯” (Ton) means a place where people gather, while “珍” (Chin) speaks to the unique and precious. Together, “Tonchin” reflects this dream of a vibrant hub filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and moments that unite people through the extraordinary.
Each visit to Tonchin is an invitation to experience a deeply rooted philosophy where craft embraces culture.
Our chefs perform daily tastings to ensure each bowl served is nothing short of exceptional.
This meticulous attention to the ramen craft builds trust and a sense of familiarity, creating a dining experience our guests early anticipate.
Culinary Forward. Heritage Rich.
Qualifications
Owning a Tonchin franchise admittedly is not for everyone.
Selfishly, we look for the few who share a deep respect for our storied history and a responsibility for delivering on the craft of ramen.
Since our thoughtful entry into the U.S. market, we’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to the food and design — a commitment we expect from each owner.
FAQs
Why partner with Tonchin?
Anan Sugeno’s vision for Tonchin goes beyond expanding a brand; it’s about building a rooted, authentic experience in each community. With over 25 years of tradition and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, Tonchin brings Tokyo-inspired, handcrafted ramen to new markets, delivering bold flavors that reflect both heritage and innovation.
Who is the ideal Tonchin owner?
An ideal Tonchin owner is someone who envisions not just one location, but a dynamic, local network of 5 to 10 restaurants, where each space becomes a gathering place for people to enjoy a crafted ramen experience rooted in culinary richness, inspiring design, and operational excellence. For those ready to be considered, Tonchin encourages you to explore the brand, study the menu, look at the competitive landscape and share with us why you believe we are a natural fit.
What sets Tonchin apart from its competitors?
At Tonchin, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Every morning, our skilled preparation team starts from scratch, carefully crafting each dish to meet our highest standards. Daily tastings by our management and monthly quality checks by our leadership ensure that every bite is nothing short of exceptional. Our commitment to freshly made food, prepared openly before our guests and served immediately, truly sets us apart. This unwavering dedication to elevating ramen — nurtured over years of experience across Asia — raises the bar that candidly few even care to aspire to because that level of achievement on a daily basis can be daunting. For Tonchin, it’s our purpose.
What makes Tonchin’s menu unique compared to traditional ramen offerings?
Traditional pork broths are known for their hearty thickness and rich flavor, but Tonchin’s Tokyo Tonkotsu broth is a lighter iteration inspired by the classic, dashi-based Tokyo-style broths. Quality ingredients such as chicken bones and vegetables are added to our pork base and simmered over time, before being finished with dark soy sauce to highlight the umami flavors. The result is a deeply flavorful, satiating broth that also has a refreshing quality.Our wavy, medium-thick noodles are designed to carry this broth well and are hand-massaged for optimal texture. Contrary to the standard practice of resting ramen noodles over multiple stages, our noodles are prepared anew every day to emphasize freshness. Seasoned with a touch of dashi, the savory quality of our noodles also complements the broth, completing a balanced orchestra of flavors along with our specialty toppings.
How does Tonchin create a unique and immersive dining experience that goes beyond just serving ramen?
At Tonchin, we craft more than just a meal; we create a complete dining experience that immerses our guests in the essence of Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen. Every detail, from the menu to the ambiance, is thoughtfully curated to elevate the ramen experience. Beyond the bowl, our appetizers and desserts like Kakigori are designed to harmonize flavors, refreshing the palate and rounding out each meal. Our space transcends the typical, with custom hand soaps, carefully chosen wallpapers, and an atmosphere that reflects the rich story of our brand. We aim to captivate our guests with stunning design, drawing them in to savor the depth and flavor of every Tonchin offering.